The cost consultant responsible for giving an estimate for the renovations and repairs to Station House has given an estimate — $1.93 million.
The figure, given at Monday's committee of the whole meeting, breaks down to $1.32 million for the building, $275,000 for the site, $91,000 for ancillary costs and $250,000 for contingency funds. In addition, should the District of Hope want fire suppression systems installed, likely including sprinklers, they need to prepare an extra $75,000.
However, some council members find the figures quoted extreme.
“I went through it and, I'm not in construction, but I feel like I'm smart enough to see some things to shock me,” said Coun. Scott Medlock. “I think there are a lot of things here that are out of line. I think it's a high estimate.”
Eventually, council decided to move forward by tasking staff to find out how they can do the project in phases, with goals such as putting a cost on making the building occupancy ready, cleaning up the exterior, and also consulting with finance director Dale Courtice on how much of their reserves they can use.
Read the full report in the April 13 edition.